By George Ozalla
The House of Representatives has approved the ₦140 billion budget proposal for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) following a defence of the proposal before the House Committee on the South East Development Commission in Abuja. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Mark Okoye, presented the strategic priorities, sectoral plans and phased implementation framework designed to deepen socio‑economic development across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
Lawmakers on the committee welcomed the budget and expressed confidence that, with rigorous oversight and transparent coordination, the allocation will deliver measurable development outcomes for communities in the South‑East. Members said the funds must be directed to priority sectors including infrastructure, industrialisation, agriculture, technology and investment promotion to expand economic opportunities and improve quality of life for citizens of the five states.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the South East Development Commission, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, praised Mr Okoye for what he described as a comprehensive and forward‑looking plan for the region. Nkwonta said the committee was encouraged by the commission’s progress since its inauguration and described Okoye’s leadership as instrumental to driving the SEDC’s mandate. He urged the commission’s management to sustain momentum and ensure that implementation of projects yields visible benefits for the people.
The approval by the House of Representatives follows earlier controversy in the Senate over the same ₦140 billion allocation. At Senate Committee hearings chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, some lawmakers raised concerns about aspects of the budget they felt placed too much emphasis on recurrent costs and administrative expenses rather than urgent infrastructure needs. Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra North criticized portions of the proposal and pressed the commission to prioritize funding for critical projects including roads, hospitals, schools and erosion control while some equally lawmakers commended the leadership of the Commission.
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) was established by law under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive sustainable development, coordinate major infrastructure and industrial interventions, promote investment, reduce long‑standing developmental disparities and improve standards of living across the South‑East geopolitical zone. The commission is charged with mobilizing resources, attracting private and development funding, and working with state governments and stakeholders to deliver projects that strengthen economic growth, enhance social services and position the South‑East as a competitive economic region.
